EASTERN LESSER FRIGATE BIRD. 
the diary printed in connection I note thirty-six birds were collected at 
that time. The questions : Were the majority black males ? or Were 
these specimens the only black males ? are unanswerable at present. When 
these birds are studied in connection with their habitats, a great deal of 
interest will be taken in them and probably many unexpected results will be 
achieved. Dr. C. W. Andrews tells me, from memory — and he has no notes 
of any occurrence — that the white-headed phase of Fregata minor nor of 
F. andrewsi certainly did not breed on Christmas Island. 
Walker writes of birds of F. ariel breeding on Addle Island in 
immature plumage, but gives no details. I have seen nothing in immature 
plumage save the rusty-coloured head stage, and none of these have been 
otherwise reported as breeding and it does not look like a breeding-plumage ; 
the white-headed phase of F. minor gives that suggestion, and Dr. Lowe 
considered them as looking like old females. I then would accept the 
separation of F. ariel into subspecies thus : 
Fregata ariel ariel (Gray). 
Raine Island (breeding) ; 
East Australia. 
Fregata ariel tunnyi Mathews. 
Bedout Island (breeding) ; 
West Australia. 
Fregata ariel iredalei Mathews. 
Mascarene Islands. 
Differentiated by means of its small biU and small size from F. a. tunnyi, 
its nearest geographical relation, by its much smaller bill and wing, as 
detailed above. 
Fregata ariel, subsp. indet. 
Atlantic Ocean. 
In the North-west Pacific other races may occur, as birds have been 
procured at Amoy, Japan, Philippine Islands; the Caroline Islands may be 
a breeding locality, and possibly also the Marshall Group. 
I have not altered anything save to make corrections. Mr. Rothschild, in 
the essay quoted under the preceding species, has suppressed F. a. tunnyi as 
the difference in size seemed too slight. The details given above will show my 
own hesitation, and onlj^ the fact of its constancy made me differentiate the 
West Australian bird. It will be obvious that until more material proves my 
conclusions incorrect, the only accurate course is the recognition of F. a. tunnyi. 
and this course I pursue, I do not think, now, that accession of specimen 
will do otherwise than confirm the distinction I have indicated. 
287 
